A Letter from Saint James

Transcription

1 A St. James The Newsletter of St. James Episcopal Church Mill Creek Hundred, Wilmington, Delaware May-June 2018 June 2012 Rector s Ramblings... and the times they are a-changin The younger generations of today are well attuned to the rapid changes in communications that are taking place. No sooner than some new device or media of communication debuts than it is either replaced or made obsolete by something else. Perhaps it s my age, but changes seemed to happen much more gradually in the past. I remember the time early in my ministry when my parish decided to get me a pager so that I could be notified when someone was trying to reach me by telephone. Of course, that was before cell phones so I always had to have a pocket full of coins to use in the nearest pay phone. (Good luck trying to find a pay phone nowadays. And who would need one anyway since it seems that everyone has a cell phone?) Yes, the world and way we communicate are changing. Perhaps nowhere has the effect been more noticeable than in the area of printed communications. Hardcopy newspapers, magazines, and newsletters do not have the impact they once did. More and more they are all being replaced by online versions that are less expensive to produce and distribute, as well as being more environmentally friendly. The time and expense that it takes to produce the printed version of our parish newsletter, A St. James, is getting harder and harder to justify when there are other means of communication available to use. The online e-epistle I launched way back on November 18, 2004, was then an innovation and meant to supplement our other means of communication. It has changed and improved over the years, and the parish also now has a website where information can be found. The time has perhaps come to eliminate or to drastically cut back on the production and mailing of a printed newsletter. Our aim is to continue to provide timely and informative announcements and articles will making the best use of our available resources. We will be reviewing all of our methods of communication during the coming months and would entertain any comments or feedback you might wish to provide. Fr. Jim Bimbi A Saint James 1

2 St. James Episcopal Church, Mill Creek Hundred Minutes of the 2018 Annual Meeting April 29, 2018 After a service at 9:00 AM, the congregation adjourned to the Parish House for brunch, provided by the Vestry, and the Annual Meeting. As members entered the Parish Hall they signed Thinking of You cards for members who are serving in the military: Moriah Niehaus, Shawn Sukeena, Jim Burns, Ken Phillips, Victor Netta, Caela Tindilia, Gerard Carisio, and Maddy Burns. The Annual Meeting was called to order at 10:50 AM. Fr. Jim opened the meeting with a prayer. There were 54 Church members in attendance. Secretary of the Meeting A motion was made and approved to appoint Nancy Patterson as Secretary of the Annual Meeting. Introduction of New Members There were no new members at the 2018 Annual Meeting. Correction to Annual Reports Booklet David Perry had a correction to the 2017 Wedding information. Rebecca Perry s middle initial is C not E. Approval of 2017 Minutes A motion was made and approved to dispense with the reading of the 2017 minutes. The minutes the April 30, 2017, Annual Meeting were approved as written. Election of Vestry Members David Niehaus, Sr. Warden of the Vestry, introduced the nominees for election to the Vestry. Running for 1 st Term: Valerie Brunson, Cathy Coppel, Jim Craig, Kathy Jackson, David Perry, and Margaret Russ Running for 2 nd Term: Carolyn Joynt, and Carolyn Mack Each nominee gave a brief talk about themselves. Cathy Coppel was unable to attend the Annual Meeting. Pat Minor spoke for Cathy. There were no nominations the floor. Vestry members going off the Vestry, Robert Buraczynski, Allyson Heinold, and Nancy Prettyman, were appointed to tabulate the ballots. The meeting continued while the ballots were counted. 2 A Saint St. James Pa

3 Annual Treasurer s Report Steve Prescott, Treasurer Steve thanked Sam White, Dispersing Treasurer, for preparing the Reports; Susan Winward, Receiving Treasurer, and the Counters, for all their work; and Allyson Heinold for overseeing the Capital Campaign. The Budget Reports were distributed to everyone and reviewed ended with a surplus. There were several reasons for the surplus. o The Rue Ann Dubel Gift o Renting parking spaces to the apartment complex o Spending was flat. o The endowments earned 11.3% in A deficit is projected for 2018 o Looking at a $15,000 - $20,000 deficit in o St. James is down 10 pledge units. o Spending has stayed flat. Estate Planning Elaine Negley Elaine Negley explained donating 401K required distributions. You must be 71 ½ years of age. Your annual required distribution can be donated to a qualified charity. When donated, the distribution does not have to be claimed as income. Funds have to be transferred directly the 401K account to the qualified charity. Donation could be designated for your annual pledge or donated to the Capital Campaign. If interested in doing this, discuss it with your financial advisor. Committee Reports Committee chairpersons submitted reports which may be found in the Annual Meeting Booklet. Capital Campaign Val Brunson and Jenny Vrana The Capital Campaign started its journey during St. James Tercentennial celebration and will end December 31, The campaign is approximately $30,000 away another $50,000 match the diocese. Jim Craig and John Handlin have filed an application for tax credits with the Historical Preservation Office. o Renovations to historical buildings can qualify for state tax credits. o Earned tax credits can be sold to parishioners. Pledged amounts to the Capital Campaign have to be completed by December 31, The committee will be sending a letter to the congregation with all the latest information. Family Promise Val Brunson A Saint James 3

4 St. James support of Family Promise has been extremely generous. We have taken in 136 families (503 individuals) Seventy five percent of those families are now in permanent housing. The state s placement rate is fifty three percent. The families are very grateful and thankful. One example of the families that have been helped: o Everything was fine until the husband was injured in a motorcycle accident. Insurance didn t cover the expenses. They lost everything. A church gave them $400 and told them to drive north. They landed in Delaware. Family Promise helped them find a job and get housing. Susan Winward, Head Coordinator, was thanked for all of her service. Susan has done a fantastic job. She will be stepping down. A replacement is needed. Anyone interested please contact, Val Brunson, Jennifer Idell, or Susan Winward. Property John Handlin St. James now has a functioning Property Committee. John thanked everyone who has volunteered to be on the committee. The committee has saved St. James money by doing a lot of the work themselves. The committee is accepting additional members. Unfinished Business - No unfinished business. New Business Results of Vestry Election David Niehaus The following were elected to the Vestry: o Valerie Brunson, Jim Craig, Carolyn Joynt, David Perry, and Margaret Russ All candidates were thanked for running for Vestry and the new Vestry members were congratulated. There will be a brief meeting of the new Vestry immediately following the Annual Meeting. Senior Warden s Report David Niehaus In order for the Church to function, money is important. o St. James has had two years in the black o This year is in the red. o David has faith in St. James. We will find a way to get the funds needed. The major project for the Capital Campaign is the Church roof. o The necessary studies have been completed. o The project is moving forward. St. James finally has a Property Committee. o Everything the committee is doing is appreciated. 4 A Saint St. James Pa

5 o The committee needs more volunteers. The congregation was encouraged to get involved with the committees/ministries of St. James. Most are happy when they volunteer. David thanked the Vestry and Fr. Jim for their help and support. The congregation thanked David for his work on the Vestry. Rector s Report Fr. Jim Bimbi Fr. Jim thanked David, the Vestry, and all committee members for all they do. So many do so much. The best gift is giving of yourself. It has been an honor to have been here for almost 16 years. The Last Year Has Been Busy, Challenging and Diverse Fr. Jim spent a lot of time and energy outside of St. James. He apologized for all the time away. o His responsibilities as Diocesan Liturgical Officer included arranging services for the January Diocesan Convention, the March Reaffirmation of Ordinations Vows, the Bishop Election Convention in July, Parish Life Day in November, and the Ordination and Consecration of our XI Bishop in December. o He also completed his term on the Clergy Disciplinary Board. Things Fr. Jim Has a Heart For International Issues Nicaragua o There will be an article about Nicaragua in the next issue of the Communion. o The congregation was encouraged to read the article. St. George s College in Jerusalem o He serves on the Board of Directors in the US and Canada. He was elected President in o He will return to Jerusalem at the end of May. o Our new Bishop hasn t been to Israel. He is interested in putting together a Footsteps of Jesus pilgrimage next June. The Rt. Rev. Kevin S. Brown He is a young man. He will be a good thing for the Episcopal Church in Delaware. He would like us to think more broadly. He brings a new energy. This week he held a three day conference to discuss congregational growth. Time was allowed for clergy to talk about challenges they are facing. In the 15 years Fr. Jim has been in the diocese he had not seen so much openness and honesty among the clergy. There was a new spirit of cooperation among the clergy. A real movement of the Holy Spirit was sensed among them. The Bishop would like to start a new program called Invite Welcome Connect. o It started in Texas. A Saint James 5

6 o Mary Parmer who created the program will visit the October Quarterly Meeting of the clergy. The Journey Team The Journey Team has done a good job. They strengthened our committees and ministries. We Are the Church We need to rely on each other. It is all the congregation working together. Much more of a sense of We are the Church. o How can we support one another? o How can those with resources reach out and help those who don t have resources? Fr. Jim thanked Cynde Bimbi for her continued support. The Vestry was thanked for a marvelous brunch. The Necrology The Necrology was read by Fr. Jim. The Annual Meeting adjourned at 11:55 AM with the saying of the Lord s Prayer. Respectfully submitted, Nancy Patterson Clerk of the Vestry A Successful Claudia White Bingo Night The 10 th Annual Claudia White Memorial Bingo Night held on Monday, April 23rd was a big success. Everyone had an evening filled with fun, refreshments and fellowship. The event raised a little over $1,000. Repairs and renovations to the Parish House were very close to Claudia s heart and the money will be used for repairs and renovations to the Parish House. In addition to the cash donations everyone generously donated nonperishable food items for a local food closet. The items will be delivered to St. Mark s Methodist Church for their food closet. Thank you to all who came to the event and contributed so generously. Your support is greatly appreciated. THANK YOU, The St. James Bazaar Ladies 6 A Saint St. James Pa

7 Our next Family Promise host week is Sunday June 3rd. There are several volunteer opportunities available, the sign up sheet is posted in the great hall. We are in need of dinner hosts and overnight hosts especially. If you are not available the week of the third, there are opportunities to provide breakfast and lunch items ahead of time. Additionally, our final host week of the year is August 12th. Thank you for supporting our ministry to help homeless families in our community. Questions: contact Val Brunson at , We will continue our winter schedule through Memorial Day weekend (5/27). On June 3, the second service will move to 9:30 am and Lemonade in the Circle will replace coffee hour. This schedule will be in effect for the months of June, July and August. We will return to the 10:15 service on September 9. For when two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them. (Matthew 18:20) On Sunday, May 6th and June 3rd members of the prayer team will hold a short prayer service in the church following the second service (focusing on the prayer requests left in the basket in the entrance to the church and other concerns of the parish, community, and world.) Then throughout the month, we will continue collecting prayers at the end of the 2nd service and lifting them up during the week. All are welcome to participate in this monthly service-usually held on the first Sunday of the month. For those who are not able to come to church or have an immediate prayer need, we invite you to Sister BJ Brown at: sisterbjbrown@gmail.com A Saint James 7

8 May 13, Recognition of students and graduates! At the 10:15 am service on May 13 we will recognize our students and graduates. There will be a reception for them in the Parish House after the service, hosted by the Parish Life Committee. Please join us to celebrate with them! We are proud to honor them all and we wish our 2018 Graduates all the best in their next steps along life s road! Aly Hall graduating Cab Calloway Aly Hall is currently a senior at Cab Calloway School of the Arts and will be graduating with honors. She is the vice president of the National Honor Society, the secretary of the school rotary club, and a manager of Wresting team. She also participates in best buddies and volunteers as a coach for the St. Elizabeth s Cross Country and Track Team. Aly is a lifetime member of St. James and an active participant in the youth group. Aly has been on the mission trip, served as a youth delegate alternate at convention and attended the Episcopal Youth Event last summer. Currently she is working with members of the church and diocese to start a Kids-for-Peace Chapter in Delaware. Aly will be attending the College of Charleston in the fall and will be studying Meteorology. 8 A Saint St. James Pa

9 The Season of Pentecost Begins May 20 May 20 is the Day of Pentecost. Remember to wear red to church to signify the work of the Spirit! Emmanuel Dining Room Ministry Blessings abound as do opportunities to help prepare and/or serve our May 31st lunch For each month that has a 31 st day (seven months a year), St. James is responsible for the lunch at Emmanuel Dining Room on Walnut Street. Thanks to the continued generosity of the members of our parish family, each month we are able to provide a healthy homemade meal served with love to about men, women, and children in need. Many of you have donated your time, resources, and support of this very important ministry. THANK YOU! As we approach our third lunch for May 31 st, we are in an excellent position with our funding. We are making another favorite meal of meatball subs, fresh fruit, chips, and homemade cookies and also providing a peanut butter and jelly sandwich as an addition to their meal and/or for our guests to take with them for another meal/snack. AND, we do not need to ask for your donations of food items or money, but we are asking if you d like to join the making. If you would like to share in the fellowship of preparing cookies and making sandwiches for our May meal, please join us on Wednesday, May 30 th 9 am to about 11 am in the parish hall kitchen. If you have questions about what's involved or would like to help serving lunch on May 31st (11:30 to 1:30 pm) at Emmanuel Dining Room on Walnut Street in Wilmington, please talk with Pat Minor or Cindy Fauerbach or contact Cindy by phone (302) or cindyfauerbach@verizon. net. Again, thank you, Pat Minor, Gail Coverdale, Ginny Dennis, and Cindy Fauerbach A Saint James 9

10 May Birthdays 3 Kathryn Coverdale Katie Joynt 4 Melissa Idell Tyler Short 5 Sherry Cernos 6 Robert Carrow Shannon McGee Nathan Sandhauser 9 Dick Prettyman 10 Becky Perry 11 Savannah Clark 12 Jonathan Packard 2 Shirley & Karl Alexander 13 Cynthia McCauley 10 Elinor Knodel & Peter Tuhy Debbie Meadow Diane & Richard Aichele 15 Hannah Cormier Deacon Herring Morgan Thomas 16 John Taylor 17 Ted Prettyman Dustin Short Christopher Snyder 18 Christopher Rose 19 Seth Malusa Kay Meckelnburg 20 Peter Tuhy 21 John Clark 22 Fr. Jim Bimbi 23 Eileen Marvel May Hindsley 24 Lois Kelley Dorianne Short 30 Faye Hart Jeffrey Loveland Alexander Winward 31 Ariana Udinski A A Saint Pa St. James

11 June Birthdays June Anniversaries 1 Barry Coverdale 4 Dorothy & Edward Loveland Brooke Taylor 5 Donna & Joseph Valiante 4 Sandy Cornelia 6 Tracey & James McCracken 5 Susan St. John 7 Michelle & Kevin Minor 9 Harry Garraway 12 Kathleen & George Elliston 10 Marlene Jackson 15 Valerie & Brian Hall 14 Kevin Heinold 17 Dorianne & Bill Short 15 Elaine Negley 19 Sally & Raymond Logue 18 John Nuss 20 Jenny & Bruce Vrana 19 Kimberly Staub 21 Debby & John Nuss 20 Colleen Elder 23 Sue & Paul Haefner Megan Joynt 26 Kay & Bob Meckelnburg Ally Markham Doris & Ralph Stampone 21 Kim Simpson 27 Laura & Borden Adams 22 Rebecca Manthorpe 29 Eileen & Doug Marvel Steve Coverdale, Jr. John Handlin, Jr. 24 Cathy Brown 25 Erik Hollstein Taylor McCracken Susan Miller 27 Ellen White Athena Krikelis 28 Megan Hollstein If we have missed your birthday or anniversary, please let us know. You are an important part of our church family. A Saint James 11

12 A St. James May/June 2018 St. James Episcopal Church 2106 St. James Church Road Wilmington, DE Address Service Requested Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage Paid Permit # 36 Wilmington, DE Rector: The Rev. James M. Bimbi Senior Warden: David Niehaus Junior Warden: Carolyn Joynt Office Contacts Phone: / Fax: office@stjamesmillcreek.comcastbiz.net Website: stjamesmillcreek.org Office Hours: 9:00 a.m. 2 p.m. Tuesday Thursday Closed Monday and Friday Service Times Sunday 8:00am Holy Eucharist 9:15am Nursery & Christian Education for all ages. 10:15am Family Worship Service Times Summer Sundays 8:00am Holy Eucharist 9:30am Family Worship Service Time Wednesday 9:30am Holy Eucharist 10:15am Bible Study A A Saint Pa St. James